Gerda Steyn’s record book already reads like a marathoner’s fairy tale written in permanent ink. The 36-year-old has conquered Comrades four times, claimed an unprecedented seven consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon titles and shattered records with the enthusiasm of a runner splashing through puddles on a rainy training run.
The Stormers have lost one of the competition’s most gifted attacking players at the worst possible time. Yet in Jurie Matthee they possess a flyhalf whose game may be tailor-made for the unforgiving demands of knockout rugby.
For South African rugby, it is a reminder that the country’s greatest export may not be its players alone. Its coaching talent continues to leave footprints across the global game.
By the end of Saturday, two teams will advance to the URC Grand Final. Yet regardless of who survives, South African rugby will already have secured a notable victory.
Stormers coach John Dobson believes the current law, which rewards the defending side with a goal-line dropout after an attacker is held up in-goal, has swung the pendulum too far away from attacking rugby.
“It’s the worst. It’s one law in rugby that has to change change. I’m not saying because it’s against us. I don’t understand this concept. You do so well, and you’re rewarded with receiving the ball back on your ten-yard.”
The Stormers will leave Cape Town carrying a semi-final ticket in one hand and a medical report in the other. The victory glittered like silverware in the sunshine. The injury list lurked like a loose forward at a breakdown, waiting to pounce.
The Stormers booked their place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals with a dominant 44-21 victory over Cardiff Rugby in front of 30,595 supporters at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
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